Legendary rock band Queen’s iconic 1978 hit “Fat Bottomed Girls” has sparked controversy as it was excluded from the band’s latest greatest hits collection tailored for younger listeners, available on the audio platform Yoto. While the move aims to introduce Queen’s music to a new generation, critics have labeled the decision as “woke” and “ridiculous,” igniting debates around cancel culture.
The exclusion of “Fat Bottomed Girls” from the track list of the kid-friendly album has drawn sharp reactions from various quarters. The song, celebrated for its upbeat and light-hearted nature, has long been a part of Queen’s repertoire, featuring alongside hits like “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” However, its absence from the album has triggered discussions about the extent to which contemporary societal norms influence decisions about cultural artifacts.
But they listen to Cardy b rap about her clam and “fat bottom girls” is where they draw the line?!?! The jokes write themselves. The same generation who brought us 50 shades of gray. I’m exhausted.😩
— Elle Henderson (@ellie_hen) August 21, 2023
Fox News contributor Joe Concha criticized the omission as “utterly ridiculous,” emphasizing Queen’s historical significance in pushing musical boundaries and delivering politically incorrect music. He argued that the exclusion might inadvertently lead to increased interest in the song, highlighting the potential backlash of suppressing art.
Yoto, the audio platform that released the album, positioned it as an “ideal introduction to the music of Queen for young music lovers.” However, the platform included a parental advisory notice acknowledging that some of Queen’s music contains adult themes, though not explicit language. Universal Music U.K.’s head of youth strategies, Sarah Boorman, stressed the importance of offering children a diverse range of music to foster a lifelong appreciation for various genres.
The controversy underscores broader questions about the role of music and art in reflecting societal shifts and values. Critics argue that removing a song like “Fat Bottomed Girls” from a children’s album perpetuates a sanitization of culture, while others contend that such actions are necessary to adapt to evolving sensibilities and protect younger audiences.
